Description: The T-90, Object 188 industrial name, is a Main Battle Tank (MBT) evolved from the Red Army's T-72 in the late 1980s. It has been designed to engage enemy armored vehicles, troops, fortifications and low-flying helicopters in day/night and all-weather conditions. Its main armament is a 125mm 2A46M-2 smoothbore gun which can fire a variety of rounds as well as anti-tank missiles, a coaxial PKT 7.62mm machine gun, and a NSV 12.7mm machine gun for anti-aircraft purposes. The 125mm gun features an autoloader system with 22+20 rounds. The first prototype was produced in 1989 and serial production of the Russian Army T-90A model started in 1992.

The T-90MS or T-90AM, dubbed Armada and Tagil by the Russian Army, is an improved version of the T-90A main battle tank (MBT) operated by the Russian Army since the mid-1990s. This upgraded version features a new automatic loader, separate crew and ammo compartments, Kalina improved sight system, a new more powerful engine developing 970-hp, a re-designed cannon (2A46M-5) and a new protected machine gun unit. The Kalina targeting system is integrated with the commander's control system. Besides, the tank features a new air defense machine gun and new version of explosive reactive armor called Relict as well as an improved gear shifter and better steering control. Overall, the upgraded tank offers improved armor protection, communications and firepower. The T-90AM was unveiled at the arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil in September 2011. The Russian Army plans call for the T-90AM Armada to enter service by 2015 and could stay in mass production by 2020 or 2025 when a new generation MBT armed with a 152mm cannon would take its place. Its development seems to be a direct consequence of the Russian government intention to reduce the number of MBTs in their armed forces far below the level of 10,000 in 2011 to roughly several thousands (2,000-5,000?).

The T-90MS improved armor is slightly less resistant to the affects of a nuclear attack then previous T-90S model. An auxiliary diesel engine is meant to be used during stops allowing for better fuel efficiency while producing less heat than the main engine, making the vehicle less noticeable in the infra-red spectrum. The T-90MS tank is intended for the export market and was unveiled at the Defexpo India exhibition in March 2012. The Indian Army is the world's largest operator of T-90 tanks and would be interested in upgrading the existing fleet to the MS standard. Export customers could get a 1,130-hp V-92S2F diesel engine powering their T-90MS tanks. The T-90MS can be fitted with the Nakidka camouflage system to minimize its radar and infrared signatures.